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25th September

Boat fishing hasn't been the best around the reefy ground close to the island. Not sure why, almost strange. Still there are Eels to 30lb, Huss to double figures and there is plenty of Black Bream to 3lb, plus some Couches. One of the reasons could be the lack of bait, Mackerel scarce and it seems Launce have done a disappearing act, all very strange. There is some Bass down the Race, hopefully these spring tides coming will fish well for them but be warned, you have got to work at your bait collection, lazy anglers catch nothing!! One surprise though is there appear to be plenty of Turbot on the banks, good news!

Shore sport not too bad, we have a couple of pairs of anglers. One pair keen on bait on the bottom, the other pair keen on their lure fishing. The latter pair have had a dozen Bass, a bagful of Wrasse and a few Pollack in two sessions they have done. They are of Breaming now which has been good with bags of up to 15 fish on the float. The other lads are interested in counting up their species so their fishing hasn't been spectacular but amongst the normal fish Clive has managed a Rock Cooks Wrasse. I also took him and his brother Kim afloat for a few hours late on their arrival day. Kim caught a lovely 3lb Plaice and Clive had a personal best and first Couches of the year at 1lb 8oz. This came in amongst a session of Mackerel, Pollack, Ballans, Bass, Pout, Black Bream and more. Yesterday I attempted to go sharking to increase my own species count. I opted to anchor as there had been three reports last week of Porbeagles being hooked up on Tope and Turbot gear. All three were lost, the best story though was aboard True Blue from Poole. Fishing the Casquets one lad was just about to have a double figure Turbot netted when out from the blue loomed a dark shape. Aghast everything went in slow motion except the shark as he grabbed the Turbot and swam. Massive the shark was, estimated at 400 to 500 pound, and as it swam away the anglers aboard were looking down the back of it and could see the white underside of the Turbot either side of the sharks head. Amazing stuff.

Anyway no such luck for us, one Tope and a host of Black Bream to 3lb. Struggling now on 48, my biggest issue is commitment.................hmmmmmm!!

I'm of to Norway tomorrow so watch my Facebook pages for updates. Waterproofs are packed as it seems we will have a first week of rain but who cares. I am going there with top Bristol angler Steve Ace who works at Veals4Carp, a regular visitor to Alderney in the past so I am looking forward to some terrific fun with him and the lads. If you don't watch our Facebook page simply tap into the Facebook search bar Alderney Angling. Press the like and then you'll get the regular updates.

18th September

Now in stock are these top Bass lures which the French have been using for ages. Imported from Japan via France by top lure angler Mick Ward (Mr Fish, Jersey) these are the ultimate weapon in your Bass armoury. Top, top stuff!! For more look here.

10th September

Alderney States have issued a White Paper regards the future management of our inshore fisheries. This paper is the likely outcome for any legislation that is to be applied to Alderney's 3 mile limit. Follow the link and go to the White Paper (not Green) on the right hand side. http://www.alderney.gov.gg/static/181514280128751399

I had a super session in the boat yesterday at anchor. Leaving mid-afternoon I quickly managed to find half a dozen chunky Mackerel for bait. I chose a mark I'd never fished before based on hunches on fishing ground around it. Having got the 'pick' to hold I was straight in to Ballans, Pollack and Black Bream to 3lb on the down tide rod. Meanwhile my uptide rod was nodding away, first fish on that was a small Blonde Ray, followed by a 9lb Small Eyed. Then whilst trying to photograph the Ray my down tide rod was stripping line off on the ratchet so I threw the Ray back to tend to it. I only had Kamasans size 1's on so I gently, well as gently as I could, played the fish  allowing it as much line as it needed. Realising too I only had 20lb snoods on I thought I was going to lose this fish which was giving me a merry dance. You know what it is like, you always want to see it even if not landed, nothing worse than losing a fish and your head playing tricks as to what you have lost. Ten minutes later and I could see it was a Conger on the top hook of a 3 hook flapper which was spread over 5' foot of rig body. Nicely hooked in the upper jaw I managed to T-Bar him off which was sweet. Back to the fishing and once the uptide rod was set it continued to catch fish every cast, it went 2lb Mackerel, 3lb Bream and then another Small Eyed and whilst this was going on the down tide was still finding Black Bream, Pollack but no Wrasse as darkness had now fallen. The evening progressed spectacularly well with 3 Couches Bream to 2lb, 2 small Sole, a solitary Plaice which were caught within the mix of Poor Cod, Pout and more Pollack and Black Bream. 12 species in all, none added to my species total for the year but what a great session!!

8th September

I have reduced some Shimano items with 10% off and free postage to UK and CI, overstocked and need to clear. Items concerned are highlighted in pink, fixed spool reels you'll find here, multiplier reels are here and rods are here.

Blowing  a gale in Alderney still, wind looks like it should fall back on Friday so I'm going to poke my nose out then.

Alderney's Fishery Consultation is drawing to a close so very soon announcements will be made regards legislation for Alderney's 3  mile limit to help manage fish stocks.

6th September

What's this weather all about eh? Gusts to 55 mph here today, steady wind of 35mph for best part of it and torrential rain. Fishing hasn't been great since the last update, prior to this weather tantrum we did have a few days of easterlies which took the fish of the feed but once that cleared it was ok, actually for a couple of shore anglers it went mad. Selfish 'gits' kept it to themselves for two nights whilst it was hot but there was fantastic Bass action on the lures with one rod taking 24 fish to 8lb 15oz, 40 between the pair of them. Much of the same the following night, the third night nothing! Then I found out!!! Meanwhile I'd been Carp fishing and managed a 2lb fish and dropped four. This scene is a one off (the fishing that is, the not sharing is common place :-) .......) so leaving that aside there are still a good number of Bass to flick a lure at. One visitor to the island commented in the shop that he had a Bass around 4lb after 15 minutes, was that normal for here? You've got to chuckle eh? Plenty of Pollack if you don't find the Bass. Meanwhile bottom baits are finding Sole and Red Mullet to worm, Small Eyeds to 8lb and Congers reported on the bigger bottom baits.

Boat fishing is a real mix bag this time of year. Turbot, Brill, Bass in good numbers if you can fish for them, a local boat out fished the charter anglers last week. On the rough ground Tope, Huss and lots of Black Bream. Valkyrie always manages to find obscure species, last week was the Angler Fish, this time it was a Saury Pike!! Glen also managed to find Couches for his crew too plus saving the best for his boy Buddy, the 10 year old managed a cracking 12lb 4oz Bass. Buddy just flicked a mackerel strip uptide of the lads, 3 casts it went Pollack, Bream and then the fabulous Bass on a one hook rig with a size 1!! Rose-Ann from Exmouth has had many regular trips here this year. The latest trip yielded some good flattie fishing with the best pictured below, Black Bream was excellent and a John Dory showed too. A few Cod found on the way home too.

With no wind on Friday and Saturday I managed to get afloat for two afternoon and evening sessions. Plenty of fish over the two sessions and I opted to anchor real close to the shore. Plenty of Black Bream to 4lb, Mackerel, Pollack to 5lb, Conger Eels to 30lb, Small Eyed Ray around 8lb, Pout, Poor Cod, Ballan Wrasse, Cuckoo Wrasse, Scad..................you get the theme? I was trying to scratch around for something to add to my species list? Well I did........read a bit more here.

28th August

Can't believe we have got to the end of the month already and barely a fishing update. I don't know how your fishing has been but I have only managed two trips all month!! Busy, busy month work wise but your not interested in that eh? Fishing wise its been good. Black Bream have showed up on the shores and are appearing on the float to bread of all things. Plenty to 3lb. Red Mullet and Sole have been caught this week which is excellent news. Bass to 8lb have been caught on the lures, well nearly! The angler concerned was a wee bit stranded on the rocks with an incoming tide when he hooked the silver bar, he did manage to beach it and then proceeded to get caught up with the lure, not nice a treble hook in your leg with a thrashing  Bass ...........ooooh! Anyway the fish shook off and swam away; as James walked forward he then got the other leg in one of the other trebles too.........hilarious! Both legs hooked in to the same lure!! Anyway, plenty of Bass. Some Mullet caught too. Huss in to double figures as well.

In the boat there have been a few flatties caught, plenty of Bass to 9lb plus on the bigger tides. Couches Bream have been caught today as well, a rake of Black Bream around to 4lb too. Tope playing hard to get but there are fish to 60lb, great fun that is. Today aboard Valkyrie at anchor an angler lost a rather expensive rod, it went shooting over the side, pulled in by a rather energetic fish. They were fishing on clean ground so all the lads aboard got pirks on their rods and started to jig around the bottom so that hopefully one of them would catch the line so the rod would be retrieved. After a few minutes one of the rods arched over but not to a heavy weight indicating a rod had been caught but this thing was moving. Anyway after a bit of tug of war a 10lb Angler Fish was landed, how lucky was that!

A few things to look out for product wise. I have reduced most of the ABU 6500's here, we have Omni X braid in dark green on 220 yard spools at just £7.99 here and we have reduced our Penn Fathoms here. Fantastic reel that looks like it will stand the test of time.

11th August

Good fishing continues here in Alderney so don't think the lack of reports here means there is a lack of fish. I've not managed to get afloat myself but my good friend Ben Barnes had a session yesterday, first time he managed to get out for a while and it was only a snap shot before the wind increased yet again later in the day. He had plenty of Bass which included a PB for him of 8lb 12oz. I have had several reports of 8lb fish landed in the boats so there is a good head of steam building, this good fishing will remain for the next few months. Rose Ann from Exmouth is here battling the elements, the guys had some good fishing all round, dropped a double figure Bass at the net. Differing stories on this, the customers says Mike's arms weren't long enough but the real truth lay in the rig maker as a 'pig tail' on the trace was quickly identified as to why the fish was dropped. Mike also managed to put the boys on some decent Black Bream fishing too with a smattering of fish around and over the magical 4lb mark. Dave Budden organised a trip aboard Wild Frontier from Weymouth for his buddies and they had a terrific time with Cod, Pollack, Tope, Turbot and Brill last week, a cracking week as you can see by the photo's below in fine weather too. Stu Owen, Bob Mace and Dave himself all pictured.

Shore sport all good too. Plenty of Mackerel, Gars and Pollack. Some good Huss fishing at night as Nigel Bowditch managed ten or more, some of which were in to double figures. Lads aboard Becca-Marie fished last night on the end of the Breakwater. Unconventionally they fished on the very end and legered in to the rocks, lost 6 out of 8 sets of gear but on the other two they managed a 7lb Bass and dropped a bigger one at the surface which was likely to be double figures as well. I never make mention of any inshore activities on here regards the netting but there must be plenty of Sole around as well, nets are on all the popular Sole marks. Hopefully we'll get an opportunity to target them as well. Black bream within target of shore anglers, fish to 3lb providing great sport on the float but often over casting anglers do miss them when they are right at your feet! Best way to get them this time of year, shirvy your swim and use bread!

30th July

Its all go here, loads of different species being caught but everyone's favourite (Turbot and Brill) still around in fair numbers. One boat had mid twenties today so that was good. Bass increasing in numbers all the time as are Black Bream and a whole host of other species including Eels, Huss, and Rays. Tony Way landed a cracking 20lb plus Undulate Ray aboard Poole boat True Blue and also pictured below is Lawrence Walsh with a lovely 13lb 8oz Turbot caught on the same trip. My niece and nephews are over this week so as soon as they were off the plane I had them down the harbour and off to get some Mackerel. That was hard work so with the few we had I took them Tope fishing instead, aged between 5 and 13 they thought it was awesome, so did I! Pictured below is Rhys with the best of what we had with a fish of somewhere around 45lb or 50lb. He done incredibly well with some assistance of course. Earlier this week I had a quick dabble with some friends on the South Banks, we managed a quick fire couple of Turbot and a Brill before Chips and Cheese beckoned us back to the Divers. Jacko is pictured with a nice Brill, Simon never got as far as getting his picture taken! Previous to that I added to my Species Hunt Challenge which is here.

25th July

A  new addition to the service we offer is that we have installed an ice machine. To make arrangements for collection call us on 01481 824884 or drop an email to mark@alderneyangling.com

16th July

Shore sport continues to fish well, Dave Young who works here in Alderney Angling had a red letter 'evening' on Wednesday when he could do no wrong. Using the Savage Gear Sandeels he managed 18 Bass from the shore, great sport he certainly did enjoy. Other nights have produced fish but not to that degree, right place right time. Mullet continue to be caught. Plenty of Mackerel, Pollack and Gars about too. Unconfirmed reports of a 50lb Eel caught from the Breakwater, not sure on that though, could be the beer talking! One thing for sure the harbour had a pack of Tope running around, they were even in the shallows leading up to Blacksmiths, very exciting. No need to leave the mooring now!!

Further out though plenty of good sport to be had, its a matter of choosing what you want to do. Still enough Turbot and Brill on the banks to target. Tope to 45lb reported this week, plus Bass appear to increasing in numbers with fish to 6lb down the Race. Black Bream to 3lb 8oz gathering around the reef marks where Conger, Huss, Cuckoo Wrasse all encountered. We had fine weather last weekend so I had the luxury of a couple of days afloat. Anchoring produced Blondes, Black Bream and other bits. The sandbanks produced some nice Turbot and Brill although we had two tales of two banks, one appeared to be totally barren, the other full of fish. Then the following day we were off wrecking, not spectacular fishing but we managed some good fish with Ling to 24lb, Conger, Cod to 23lb and Pollack all coming to the gunnels. A chance encounter with a shark on the wreck provided some heart stopping moments, a Pollack was picked up briefly which was discovered once the fish was in the boat. The shark gear came out on the assumption it was a Porbeagle but on our return we showed people wiser than ourselves and the suggestion was it was something bigger. The Pollack appeared to be simply 'pressed' when it was picked up, no curve in the bite showing the shape of the mouth, just puncture wounds that you could put your fingers in which were about an inch apart. Who knows but its still out there..................and probably would be even if I hooked it!

My species hunt has been updated here too

8th July

The weather is hampering all attempts to boat fish currently. This weeks charter visits went home back to the UK with tails between their legs, too much wind put paid to the efforts made although on Tuesday produced 20 odd flatfish for Wild Frontier. They also managed to find the Cod on the way over, plenty around if you can find them on the right wrecks. They don't seem to remain in the same place for very long.

Shore sport has taken a surprising turn for the better. Reports of a lot of Mullet being caught with fish to 6lb landed. On the south side rafts of Mullet have appeared in the 3lb to 6lb size. Bass have been falling to lures and fly in reasonable numbers too, live Eels accounting for fish as well. Not terribly large fish but up to 3lb. Last year there were reports of a few Plaice being caught, a species that used to be abundant around the island but latter years have seen very few if any. Now it looks like last years success is to be at the very least repeated as earlier this week Nigel Bowditch landed two fish of 3lb and 4lb respectively. One or two smaller ones caught as well. Further still, a night session for Nigel saw him catch Sole to 2lb 8oz as well, commercial lads are reporting both species in abundance around the island so plenty for the anglers too target. A Couches Sea Bream was caught by a guy I only know as Dan, nice fish to which was around 2lb 8oz. typically he thought he had caught a Red Bream, it took a Savage Gear Sandeel of all things!

Over in the quarry reports of Brown Trout to 3lb 8oz on the fly.

I got afloat last night for a bit. We managed Plaice, Red Gurnard, Conger Eel to 20lb, Pollack, Ballan Wrasse, Mackerel in a short space of time. All on anchor not too far out.

5th July

It all happened the weekend, great weather, great fishing, my best mate and the MONG all arrived together and we had a blast. Lee and MONG were straight off the plane, down to the harbour and we had bait in the water within 40 minutes of touchdown. First blood was to Lee whom had a very welcome Bass. MONG followed this with two nice Turbot which he was chuffed to bits with.......................I'll stop the MONG thing now, its a private thing, you know? Ryan is a nice lad if a little 'office clad' but lead him along and he does ok. Anyway Ryan had a wish list of Turbot, Brill, double figure Cod and a double figure Pollack, none of which he had caught before and we had a day and a half to do it. Anyone else we'd have been ok with but bless him he needs to be nurtured. With the Turbot nailed he was chuffed to bits, so were Lee and I because he asked fewer questions! With the tide steaming through we were drifting to quick for the flats so we went and collected bait, with the view of making our way down to the Schole. On arrival the tide was starting to ease off and we were straight on to the flatfish. A smattering of Brill and Turbot between us over the slack made for a good starter to the weekend. The tide had turned so we opted for an earlier than planned finish but a very early 4.00am rise.

Saturday dawned and it was glorious. Our plan was first slack at the Casquets and then out to the wrecks for a go at the Cod and Ling. With our bait collected we headed for these western banks. Great timing on our arrival as we watched a Porbeagle rolling around on the top of the bank. A quick look at our 12/20 set ups and it was a no go to wake this bunny up. We stuck to the flattie plan and it paid off. We were on fairly big Springs so time was limited, we managed a quick half a dozen flats to 8lb and the bonus was Ryan got his Brill! This was good news because he was MONGING again! With the tide boring through we now headed out to the wrecks. No rush to get there due to the tide. On arrival we got the speed and direction of the tide, set up our hopper rigs with 6" Fat Tails and lowered them down. Despite my first four drifts producing four Cod in excess of 20lb a piece Ryan was cladding the wreck with my lead. Not sure why because it already stood 50' high. Anyway over the next two hours, what appeared to be boxes, my fishing tackle found there way down to the seabed .............. unbelievable! Slack tide approached which was a godsend so we opted to drift the wreck for Ling, I needed one for my species hunt challenge for the year. I positioned the boat some 500 yards off the wreck and told Ryan to lower down on the sand, whilst the boat skimmed the side of the wreck Lee and I lowered ours, all three of us spooling out as the boat drifted in the minimal tide. All three of us leant in to fish, excellent news. Unfortunately Lee dropped his, I managed to boat mine which was the intended Ling which went just short of 20lb and Ryan boated his LSD off the sand. That was a shame but I did get my tackle back! We continued the same thing and allowed Ryan a couple of hundred yards closer to the wreck. This time things were quieter and the boat drifted in a different direction due to the easing tide pushing us further away from the wreck. A bite registered on my rod, I fed line out to it expecting another Ling. When I thought it had chewed the bait long enough I leant in to it but this time it leant back! Whoops, its big. 15 minutes later I had a whopping 70lb Eel alongside, a personal best for me. With the tide turning we went back to the lures for the Cod. Ryan now felt he had learnt a bit and did find a double figure Cod, fair play to him, well done. We picked up a few more Cod between us before the tide increased too much and it was time to go. Ryan was chuffed to bits with his Cod but I think it was more with his ability to beautifully decorate a wreck he couldn't see, so much so I had to turn the glare down on my sounder and I think we will rename this wreck Tinseltown!! The boat travelled quick due to empty tackle boxes and a virtually empty weight bucket! We did try one wreck on the way back which I had some double figure Pollack several weeks ago but with 5 knots of tide on it didn't look possible. We gave it a right go in 300' of water and managed to find fish to 7lb but alas the final piece for Ryans jigsaw didn't happen...........it never mattered we had a cracking weekends fishing, laughter and great weather.

Send mail to chris@alderneyangling.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: February 06, 2011